I’ve seen a study which found that the age of puberty (especially female puberty) is dropping rapidly. In 1860 it started around 16.8 and in 2010 it was 10.8. Why is that? Is there any explanation?
In: Biology
Flouride in the water mixed with massive amounts of hormones added to food.
Another theory is a biological response to the declining birth rate.
Could it be earlier exposure to porn? May be a hot take but girls are curious too.. seems to be some evidence of a correlation
I’m not an expert but it doesn’t seem coincidental that in the last 100 or so years we’ve seen the average human body changing at the same time as we’ve rapidly introduced tons of new man-made ingredients and food-producing methods into our diet
Actually the 19th century was a bit of an anomaly. During the Middle Ages it typically happened around 12 or 13. The reason it happened later in the 1800s is probably as a result of urbanisation and industrialisation causing poor nutrition
The conspiracy side of me wants to wave the finger at endocrine disruptors (such as polychlorinated biphenyls, phthalates, pesticides and dioxins) in ever increasing prevalence in our environment and food. Also hormones in cows. I have to wonder if there is some link there.
Because kids today are unhealthier than ever before. Aging faster, far more mental disorders and weaker constitutions; both physically and emotionally. Caused by a mix of bad food, poor economic future and extreme social stresses via media and peer groups.
I think it’s worth pointing out that those numbers are a tad bit misleading since the definition of when puberty starts has changed over the years. So the actual start of puberty was probably closer to 15 in 1860. It’s also worthwhile to note than this varied (and still does) by a lot between different countries. Often by several years.
I can throw an anecdote at you that may answer your question. I’m not sure.
Back in maybe 2001, I, an 8 year old female, went to a pediatric endocrinologist. I had already started developing breasts. My endocrinologist determined that my bones were that of a 10 ½ year old, or a kid that was two and a half years older. As my doctor and mother were conversing, he mentioned that he “wouldn’t be suprised if the kids go into puberty earlier and earlier due to what they are putting in our food.”
I subsequently started my period exactly 2 years later, in the 5 grade.
Some research has shown that soy consumption in early childhood may lead to earlier puberty, at least in girls. As we’ve been increasing our soy consumption over the past decades, this may play a role.
Link to one such study: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3443957/](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3443957/)
I think onset of puberty is related to males living in the house (as in father). If the father lives at home, onset is later.
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